To stay competitive in interior design today, your business needs access design libraries. There your designers can find the latest trends and information about new materials. The ideas you find in the library will get the creative juices flowing. That will lead to satisfied customers.

These days interior design is a piece of the whole building design. For that reason, you'll want to add an architectural interior design library to your list of resources. You'll also want to include a commercial interior design library for ideas on designs for business spaces. And some libraries focus on home interior design, where you can even find ideas for home library design. Be sure one of them is on your list.

Finding design libraries to meet your business needs can be a manageable task. As you search for interior design libraries, keep the following in mind:

1. Several colleges and universities have noted libraries for interior design. Check the Interior Design School Review to find the top schools.

2. There are several professional organizations for interior designers. They often have online libraries available to members.

3. Architectural interior design libraries have a broad array of design information. Include them in your pursuit of design resources.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search for a library for interior design at a leading design school

Colleges and universities specializing in interior design are apt to be up on the latest techniques and materials. Select one near your office and investigate its library collection. Your designers can search many of the holdings online.

I recommend: The Gimbel Design Library at the New School is a leading curator of interior design books and images. The library also participates in a library consortium making additional resources available. The New York School of Interior Design offers a large cache of materials as well as links to other interior design resources.

Check the online resources of professional interior design organizations

The professional groups for interior designers collect information and materials that they make available to members. Join one or more organizations that focus on the design style or features that align with your business. Ask them to provide a design library directory.

I recommend: InteriorDesign.net, the online component of Interior Design magazine, has an amazing library of information about design styles, designers and design trends. The online library of the American Society of Interior Designers contains a wide selection of articles and other materials of interest to professional designers and students. The Interior Design Society website has similar though more limited resources. You can register for the group's newsletter and additional products and services.

Investigate the holdings of an architectural interior design library

The leading architectural libraries often include large collections for interior design, building materials and decorative arts. You can find resources that support the 'green movement' in architecture and design at most of these libraries.

I recommend: The Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library at Columbia University houses materials on a wide range of design subjects, including interior design and decorative arts. For information on "green" design trends, check the Green Design Library at the University of California-Berkeley.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your business needs an interior design consultant, check with the American Society of Interior Designers or the Interior Design Society for a recommendation.